Organizers are hoping to duplicate the success of last year’s staging (pictured) of the nine-day “Panunuluyan” at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue. (Filipino Reporter photo)

Fil-Ams to re-enact journey of Holy Family

The second annual staging of the vibrant “Panunuluyan sa Konsulado” ushering Christmas at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan is set on Dec. 4 to 12.

“Panunuluyan,” the search of lodging by Mary and Joseph before the night of Nativity, will be reenacted for nine consecutive days by different performers taking turns every day portraying Mary, Joseph, and the innkeepers and onlookers, clad in radiant costumes amid a colorful Nativity setting.

Even Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr., Consul Bong Cariño and then Deputy Consul General Tess Dizon-deVega took part in the heartwarming ritual.

The almost time-forgotten Filipino Christmas tradition was enthusiastically embraced by the Fil-Am community when began last year to replace the “Simbang Gabi.”

“Panunuluyan’s” first night on Dec. 4 (Wednesday) will be jointly sponsored by the Coalition of Philippine Alumni Association in Tri State, UNSRC/Philippine Cultural Society, San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir, Christian Life Community, UP Alumni and Friends Rondalla and the Ligaya Cultural Group.

Celebration at weeknights will start at 6 p.m., while Saturdays and Sundays will begin at 3 p.m.